At some point, most of us have heard the term “carbon monoxide”, or “CO” for short. But some of us aren’t aware of just how dangerous it can be. In fact, according to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 Americans die from CO poisoning not linked to fires each year.
So, what can cause carbon monoxide poisoning in our homes? How do we prevent poisoning from happening? Champion Home Services answers has the answers; read on to learn more about carbon monoxide and some tips on proper prevention!
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
To learn about carbon monoxide poisoning, it helps to understand carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that’s produced whenever material burns.
These materials or fuels include:
- Wood
- Coal
- Charcoal
- Oil
- Natural Gas
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Propane
People with health problems, or weaker immune systems, such as heart and lung disease, are at greater risk. This includes children, pregnant women, and older adults. Also, animals are not immune to carbon monoxide, so our pets are at risk of poisoning.
Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The first step to preventing CO poisoning is recognizing what appliances can create carbon monoxide. This includes any fuel-burning device, such as:
- Clothes dryers
- Water heaters
- Furnaces or boilers
- Fireplaces
- Gas stoves/ovens
- Motor vehicles
- Grills, generators, power tools, lawn equipment
- Wood stoves
- Cigarettes
It’s important to keep areas that hold these devices or appliances properly ventilated. If not, then the CO they produce remains trapped within the enclosed area – like a car running in a closed garage. Those within these dangerous areas, will then inhale the gas, which can lead to illness and even death.
To ensure that your home has good ventilation, contact our trustworthy HVAC technician to inspect your home’s ventilation system.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The next step to CO prevention is recognizing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. If either you or your family members start experiencing symptoms, then you know a potential cause. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, seek immediate medical help as long term exposure to carbon monoxide can cause a plethora of health issues.
How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Champion Home Services understands that learning about carbon monoxide poisoning can be scary. But the good news is, CO poisoning is entirely preventable. Use these methods to reduce the risk of CO exposure from happening in the first place:
Maintain Fuel-Burning Appliances
To start, have your fuel-burning appliances serviced by a technician every year. This includes your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil or coal burning appliances. That way, you’re controlling the source of CO production and directly lowering the risk of CO leaks.
Maintain HVAC System
Your HVAC system is not only used to maintain your comfort. It also helps keep the air you breath clean and free from harmful contaminants. In the case of a CO leak, you can help lower the impact by having an efficient and reliable HVAC system.
During maintenance, Champion Home Services technicians will provide a thorough inspection of your system. We’ll inspect your filters, your heating and cooling devices, and your ventilation system. This helps catch small problems that can either cause carbon monoxide later or make it harder for your system to flush out.
Install a CO Detector
Finally, the most effective way to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning is by catching a CO leak early on. You can achieve this by installing a carbon monoxide detector.
For example, the NestPro CO detector will alert you of fire and carbon monoxide in the air. It speaks up when there’s a problem and will even message your phone if you’re not home!
Contact The Pros
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. To help you prevent CO poisoning in your home, Champion Home Services can install detectors in the best locations to protect your family from gas and carbon monoxide risks.
Whether it’s HVAC maintenance, repairs, or carbon monoxide alarm installation, a Champion Home Services expert is ready to help you today!
